Lionel Messi’s ongoing tax fraud case won’t result in him missing any of Barcelona’s key matches, according to government lawyer Marcos Mas, per Marca. Mas told the Spanish news outlet that Messi’s hearing can be postponed “if a valid reason were substantiated”—which could include a fixture clash.
The forward is currently sidelined with a knee injury, yet is hoping to return to first-team action ahead of the first El Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu on November 22.
In fact, Argentina's team doctor told Spanish publication Ole Messi will return sooner than that, as his injury isn't as bad as first feared, per ESPN.